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  • August 6, 2020
  • Article
  • Harvard Business Review Digital Articles

It's Okay to Say 'No' to Social Events During COVID

By: Ashley V. Whillans, Annie Wilson and Tobias Schlager
  • Format:Electronic
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Abstract

As COVID turns even the most benign of social activities into risky propositions, many of us find ourselves in the uncomfortable position of rejecting our friends’ and family’s invitations to non-socially-distant activities. It can be particularly challenging to explain our COVID-related concerns when saying no to these events, as we may worry about coming across as judgmental or condescending. But new research shows that voicing these concerns can actually improve your relationship with the person inviting you. In addition, by focusing on welfare concerns (health and safety), as opposed to social concerns (fear of offending a friend), we can feel more comfortable turning down invitations—and explaining the reasons why.

Keywords

Difficult Conversations; Psychology; COVID-19; Health Pandemics; Relationships

Citation

Whillans, Ashley V., Annie Wilson, and Tobias Schlager. "It's Okay to Say 'No' to Social Events During COVID." Harvard Business Review Digital Articles (August 6, 2020).
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About The Author

Ashley V. Whillans

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
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    The Emotional Rewards of Prosocial Spending Are Robust and Replicable in Large Samples

    By: Lara B. Aknin, Elizabeth W. Dunn and Ashley V. Whillans
More from the Authors
  • Ryan Serhant: Time Management for Repeatable Success (A) By: Ashley Whillans and Hawken Lord
  • The Secret Tax on Women’s Time By: Lauren C. Howe, Lindsay B. Howe and Ashley V. Whillans
  • The Emotional Rewards of Prosocial Spending Are Robust and Replicable in Large Samples By: Lara B. Aknin, Elizabeth W. Dunn and Ashley V. Whillans
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